By Johnathan Paoli
The Democratic Alliance has urged all stakeholders to honour a settlement reached at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) concerning certain provisions of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act.
DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille stressed on Friday that the Nedlac negotiations were conducted within a lawful framework, with no political parties present.
“This is pure political posturing that undermines institutions designed to solve problems through negotiation and prevent conflict,” Zille said.
She said the discussions were conducted between the Presidency, the Basic Education Department as the employer and Solidarity, and that the presence of any political party was not required.
Zille criticised attempts by “factions” within the African National Congress to undermine the statutory agreement.
She described calls to override the settlement via a subcommittee set up to fund consensus on contentious legislation by the Government of National Unity’s Clearing House Mechanism as legally indefensible, despite her being on the temporary committee.
Zille called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to uphold the agreement and ensure unity on the matter, warning that failure to do so could undermine public trust in the country’s statutory bodies and disrupt educational stability.
The Nedlac agreement between Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Solidarity makes a number of recommendations, including that two sections in the Act be phased in. This follows Solidarity taking its concerns to Nedlac.
It will be sent to Ramaphosa for his consideration.
Earlier on Friday, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube clarified that the Nedlac settlement was distinct from broader consultations still underway.
She expressed optimism that dialogue remained the best approach to resolving conflicts, but acknowledged the challenges posed by political interference.
The Bela Act has been at the centre of significant controversy due to clauses on language and admission policies.
So far, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane have publicly spoken against the agreement. Mashatile is the secretariat of the Clearing House Mechanism.
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